“This is why we do what we do. It’s an opportunity to help people who need help, and I think it’s why most of us serve in the National Guard.”-Technical Sergeant Michael Gunderson, Air National Guard

While the U.S. Virgin islands are about to get walloped by category 5 Maria, National Guard units from three states are still flying in food aid for people suffering from Hurricane Irma.

Since 09 SEP 2017, 24 hours AirLift Control Flight(ACLF)-Contingency Response Flights have been underway at the Cyril E. King International Airport. Along with federal agencies and civilian contractors several thousands of tons of supplies have been delivered.

The U.S. Virgin Islands has its own National Guard unit, but it’s not enough to deal with Irma. They’ve been operating at least five Point of Distribution (PoD) centers for several days now, handing supplies to thousands of people in the U.S. territory.

Tennessee National Guard load their Blackhawk into a New York National Guard C-17, prior to deploying to U.S. Virgin Islands on 13 SEP 2017

National Guard units from Kentucky, New York and Tennessee have deployed to the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with federal agencies.